It is believed that Pardew did so because he did not want any further negativity flowing on to the field by attracting boos and moving from his seat.

Sources at United say that it was a bid to “protect” his players but now Pardew is about to change tack.

The Chronicle can reveal that Pardew told his players in a meeting this week that he was prepared to ‘take one for the team’ amidst what is certain to be an emotionally charged atmosphere.

Indeed, it is understood that Pardew is toying with the idea of absorbing the bulk of the vitriol in the first 10 minutes by standing in the technical area in an attempt to let the atmosphere die down.

Unlike the Cardiff City game last season, when United won 3-0 but he was still targeted by angry fans, Pardew will ignore any stick that comes his way.

That day he was booed when entering the technical area before being cheered back to his seat when he sat down, leaving John Carver to conduct duties.

Newcastle United fans with a banner in reference to manager Alan Pardew

But one of Pardew’s meetings this week focused on the potentially poisonous atmosphere and how the players and coaching staff will deal with it.

Pardew asked his players if they will be OK to play amidst the boos.

And after an open and honest take on the situation Pardew received a positive response from his players, who left the room looking motivated about the task in hand.

Pardew said ahead of the game: “For me it’s important I absorb the criticism.

“I am offended a little bit that there is an arrogance and ego about me in the job.

“I don’t take it for granted that I am Newcastle manager, of course I don’t. I’m under pressure. I need a result.”

Pardew turned down the chance to explain last weekend’s heavy defeat at Southampton by failing to do his post-game Press conference.

Ahead of the Hull game he said he would give an explanation regardless of the result. But he opted for the “damned if you do and damned if you don’t” card.

He said: “With the fans, everything I say is an excuse. I get that.

“So I need to try to prepare the team in the best possible manner and take away my situation.

“The one thing we do know is that this isn’t going to go away on Saturday.”